December 21, 2012 -- Jeff Micklus’ roommate felt terrible about missing his friend’s December 1st birthday. Days later, the roommate gave Micklus a card with a belated birthday wish and a heartfelt apology. Tucked inside the card was a CT Lottery “$10,000 Celebration” instant ticket. Shockingly to both roommates, the $10 lottery gift turned out to be a $10,000 top prize winner.

The new instant game, which launched on December 10, has already produced 8 top prize winners—Micklus is the ninth. There are still 41 more top prizes in the game that remain to be claimed.

In the $10,000 Celebration instant game, the player has a chance to find up to ten number matches. For Micklus, it was a single number match that revealed the $10,000 top prize. “When I scratched the prize area, I saw $10 and thought at least I won the cost of the ticket. Then I scratched some more and saw the rest of the number…$10,000. I didn’t think it was real,” Micklus told Lottery officials with a laugh.

Micklus, who lives nearby in Cromwell, arrived at Lottery headquarters today in Rocky Hill to claim his prize in a check for $6,833 (value after taxes). “I’m going to put the money in the bank for now. Later, I might think about getting a new car.” Micklus said.

Micklus’ winning ticket was purchased at Stop & Shop #613, located at 10 Pitkin Road in Vernon. Stop & Shop will receive a $100 bonus check from the CT Lottery for selling the ticket.